Minnesota Twins Top 30 Prospects Post-MLB Draft

With the MLB Draft in the rearview mirror and the season finally approaching, we once again rank the Minnesota Twins’ Top 30 Prospects.

This was originally going to be the midseason Minnesota Twins prospect rankings, but with the Twins (and their system having yet to play any games, their wouldn’t have been a lot of change from our previous rankings.

In addition to the order staying mostly the same, the tools of each prospect remain at the same level. The only difference between this ranking and the preseason one is now we get to include the Twins’ newest prospects.

The Twins officially signed their 5th round pick, Kala’i Rosario, on July 1st, completing their 2020 draft class. Here’s the whole group with their signing bonus:

• 1st Round Pick: Aaron Sabato, 1B, North Carolina ($2.75 million-Slot Value of $2.57 million)
• 2nd Round Pick: Alerick Soularie, 2B, Tennessee ($900k-Slot Value of $1.185 million)
• 4th Round Pick: Marco Raya, RHP, United South HS (TX). ($410k-Slot Value of $442,900)
• 5th Round Pick: Kala’i Rosario ($270k-Slot Value of $330k)
• UDFA: John Stankiewicz, RHP, Fordham ($20k)
• UDFA: Lucas Sweany, LHP, Pacific ($20k)
• UDFA: Zarion Sharpe, LHP, UNC Wilmington ($20k)
• UDFA: Allante Hall, C, Pensacola State Junior College (Fla.) ($20k)
• UDFA: Willy Diaz Vasquez, SS, Prairie Baseball Academy HS, Lethbridge, Alberta ($20k)

Now because none of these prospects have played an inning of professional baseball, it’s hard to tell how they’d fare against better competition. Because of that fact, Hall, Diaz Vasquez, and Sweany didn’t make the list yet. Same goes for Sharpe, Stankiewicz, and Raya, though I think they’ll make the list sooner than later.

Again, this list is just meant to last until we get to see everyone in action again. At that point, we’ll get some new prospect rankings, updated grades, and more. With all that in mind, let’s get started.

Minnesota Twins Prospects No. 30-No. 26

No. 30: Chris Vallimont, RHP

2020 Expected Level: High A

Preseason Rank: No. 28

Age: 23

Fastball: 60/Curveball: 55/Slider: 50/Changeup: 50/Control: 45/Overall: 40

The same things that applied before the season still stand, but Chris Vallimont falls a few spots for the new prospects. He’s got good stuff, but his control needs work. This season will hurt Vallimont, as 23 is a bit older for a pitcher in High A.

In Vallimont’s first four starts after the trade, he only walked four batters. Hopefully this will be a continuing trend, and if that’s the case. Vallimont could move up this list quickly. He’ll be 24 before next season begins. He needs to move quickly.

No. 29: Will Holland, SS

2020 Expected Level: Rookie

Preseason Rank: No. 26

Age: 22

Hit: 40/Power: 55/Run: 60/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 45

Will Holland is an extremely athletic 2019 second-round pick who is incredibly raw. He struggled to hit for a consistent average over his first thirty-six games in the organization. He did manage to hit seven homers and steal eight bases in that short time, and he hit well in college, so there’s hope.

No. 28: Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF

2020 Expected Level: Rookie

Preseason Rank: No. 25

Age: 17

Hit: 50/Power: 50/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 45

Emmanuel Rodriguez is just 17, which makes missing the season a little more acceptable. He’s got a solid set of tools, but they aren’t perfect. That being said, the Twins paid him a $2.5 million more than every prospect (except Sabato) signed in 2020. He’ll climb these ranks with some time.

No. 27: Kala’i Rosario, OF

2020 Expected Level: N/A

Preseason Rank: N/A

Age: 18

Hit: 40/Power: 60/Run: 45/Arm: 45/Field: 45/Overall: 45

Kala’i Rosario is extremely young, having just turned 18 on July 2nd, but that didn’t stop him from making our Top 30 list. Rosario is really a one tool player, but that power is awe-inspiring. Some scouts have even graded it at the incredibly rare 80. I don’t think it’s there yet, but if he continues to grow his game, he could be a 30 homer guy.

No. 26: Dakota Chalmers, RHP

2020 Expected Level: AAA

Preseason Rank: 24

Age: 23

Fastball: 60/Curveball: 65/Changeup: 45/Control: 40/Overall: 45

My love of the Dakota Chalmers curveball was clear when I talked so highly of him in the last rankings. The pitch has a spin rate of over 3,000, making it really tough to hit. His control and changeup still need work, but I think he has a low floor and an extremely high ceiling.

Minnesota Twins Top Prospects No. 25-No. 21

No. 25: Misael Urbina, OF

2020 Expected Level: Rookie

Preseason Rank: No. 23

Age: 18

Hit: 55/Power: 45/Run: 60/Arm: 50/Field: 55/Overall: 45

A summer off won’t hurt Misael Urbina as much as other players, as the 18-year-old was very solidd in his first attempt at pro ball. Urbina has a solid hit tool for his age and his 19 steals in 50 games were excellent.

I could easily see him turning into a very good center fielder for the future, as he’s still at least three years away from the majors. There’s a lot that can happen between then and now, but I think he’ll definitely move up these rankings.

No. 24: Gabriel Maciel, OF

Expected 2020 Level: High A

Preseason Ranking: No. 22

Age: 21

Hit: 55/Power: 30/Run: 65/Arm: 50/Field: 60/Overall: 45

Arguably the fastest player in the Minnesota Twins system, Gabriel Maciel can run really well and field well. He hasn’t hit under .261 at any stop, so his hit tool is coming on nicely. A pretty realistic comparison to Maciel would be Ben Revere with a better arm, but if that’s what he ends up as, no one will complain.

No. 23: Cole Sands, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 21

Age: 22

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 50/Changeup: 55/Control: 55/Overall: 45

None of Cole Sands is all that incredible. His fastball, curveball, and changeup are all solid, but none are incredible. His control is probably his best skill and what makes him valuable. He’ll never lead a rotation, but he has the ability to be a long term third or fourth starter with some reliability.

No. 22: Yunior Severino, 2B

2020 Expected Level: A

Preseason Ranking: No. 20

Age: 20

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 45/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 45

Yunior Severino is kind of the opposite of Cole Sands. Sands is a pitcher without elite potential, but has been consistently good, while Severino is a hitter with lots of potential, but hasn’t shown much. Severino came over from the Braves in 2017 and still has massive potential, but he’s running out of time to show it.

No. 21: Jorge Alcala, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: MLB

Preseason Ranking: No. 19

Age: 24

Fastball: 65/Curveball: 45/Slider: 55/Changeup: 45/Control: 40/Overall: 50

Jorge Alcala is about to turn 25 and will be a part of the major league bullpen, essentially taking his prospect status. The move to the bullpen will help turn Alcala into an elite reliever who relies on his 98 MPH fastball and good slider to get outs. He’ll be fun to watch.

Minnesota Twins Prospects No. 20-No. 16

No. 20: Edwar Colina, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 18

Age: 23

Fastball: 65/Slider: 55/Changeup: 40/Control: 45/Overall: 50

Armed with the best fastball in the system, Edwar Colina‘s lack of a changeup and control will hurt him in the long run, likely not allowing him to be a starter. He will however, be able to be an excellent reliever, and he gets his first to chance to prove that as a member of the 60-Man Roster.

No. 19: Travis Blankenhorn, 2B/3B/OF

Expected 2020 Level: AAA

Preseason Ranking: No. 17

Age: 23

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 45/Arm: 50/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Travis Blankenhorn‘s greatest skill is his ability to play all over the field. All of his tools are usable, and if that hit tool develops more, he could easily take the Marwin Gonzalez role once Gonzalez leaves next year. He’s on the 40-man roster right now, so look for him to prove himself against top competition.

No. 18: Akil Baddoo, OF

Expected 2020 Level: High A

Preseason Ranking: No. 16

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 50/Speed: 65/Arm: 40/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Akil Baddoo has long been considered one of the players in the Twins’ system with fantastic tools. His speed is excellent, and he’s flashed excellent hit and power tools. The main issue is injuries that have prevented him from reaching his potential. His most recent one sapped his arm strength away, so it’s worth wondering if he’ll ever become the star his potential suggests.

No. 17: Nick Gordon, 2B/SS

Expected 2020 Level: MLB

Preseason Ranking: No. 15

Age: 24

Hit: 55/Power: 35/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 50

The No. 5 overall selection in the 2014 draft that has moved slowly, but surely through the Twins system, Nick Gordon is finally ready to show what he’s got. Gordon may not have any power, but he still has the ability to hit well for average and steal some bases, helping make him a reliable bench guy in 2020.

No. 16: Alerick Soularie, OF

Expected 2020 Level: N/A

Preseason Ranking: N/A

Age: 21

Hit: 60/Power: 50/Run: 45/Arm: 40/Field: 50/Overall: 50

We have reached the second new addition to our list in Alerick Soularie. Soularie was an excellent hitter in college, putting together a stellar line of .336 BA/.448 OBP/.586 SLG% numbers with 16 homers and 63 RBI in his 76 games at Tennessee. That would have given him 34 homers and 134 RBI over 162 games.

There’s no question Soularie’s bat will play. The only question is if his excellent baseball IQ will make up for his subpar defensive abilities, as there’s question over where he’ll play. He practiced at second base in college, so maybe he’d be able to play there, but we’ll see.

Minnesota Twins Prospects No. 15-No. 11

No. 15: Gilberto Celestino, OF

Expected 2020 Level: AAA

Preseason Ranking: No. 14

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 40/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 50

Gilberto Celestino is the most MLB ready center fielder prospect with good field, run, and arm tools. The only question is whether or not his bat will hold up. If it does, watch out. If not, he’ll be a really good defensive substitute. He’ll get his first MLB action as a member of the 60-man squad.

No. 14: Matt Wallner, OF

Expected 2020 Level: A

Preseason Rank: No. 13

Age: 22

Hit: 45/Power: 55/Run: 40/Arm: 65/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Armed with the best arm in the system and plus power, Minnesota native Matt Wallner has all the tools needed to be a very good corner outfielder. His only issue is that he needs to show he can hit for average consistently. Once that happens, he’ll fly through the system.

No. 13: Lewis Thorpe, LHP

Expected 2020 Level: MLB

Preseason Rank: No. 12

Age: 24

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 55/Slider: 45/Changeup: 50/Control: 55/Overall: 50

Easily the best lefty in the system, Lewis Thorpe is set to graduate and join the Minnesota Twins as a reliever, but he still has the talent and the durability to be a No. 3 starter. Look for him to continue trying to make his mark while improving his slider and changeup so he can become a starter by 2022.

No. 12: Blayne Enlow, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: High A

Preseason Ranking: 11

Age: 21

Fastball: 50/Curveball: 55/Slider: 50/Changeup: 50/Control: 50/Overall: 50

Blayne Enlow is a still young pitcher with a well-developed mix and solid control. He doesn’t have a ton of upside, as he won’t be more than a No. 3 starter, but he’s an extremely sharp pitcher who knows how to work with what he’s got. I expect him to be a quick riser.

No. 11: Brent Rooker, OF/1B

Expected 2020 Level: AAA

Preseason Ranking: 10

Age: 25

Hit: 50/Power: 65/Run: 50/Arm: 50/Field: 40/Overall: 50

The most well-developed power hitter in the system, Brent Rooker isn’t a skilled fielder which has slowed his path to the majors. He’ll turn 26 before the 2021 season, so the Twins need to make a decision on whether they will trade Rooker or find a spot for him, as Rooker works best as a DH.

Minnesota Twins Prospects No. 5-No. 1

No. 5: Jhoan Duran, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 5

Age: 22

Fastball: 65/Curveball: 50/Splitter: 60/Changeup: 40/Control: 50/Overall: 55

Jhoan Duran has the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the Twins system. Duran has a dominant fastball/slider combo, and though his curveball and changeup need work, he has the ability to be a No. 1 starter if everything clicks into place.

No. 4 Trevor Larnach, OF

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 4

Age: 23

Hit: 60/Power: 55/Run: 40/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 55

Trevor Larnach has the ability to become an All-Star corner outfielder. His hit tool is already excellent, he can hit 20 homers a game, and has a solid arm. His floor is the highest of any hitter in the Twins’ system, but hopefully he still has a ways to go.

No. 3: Jordan Balazovic, RHP

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 3

Age: 21

Fastball: 65/Slider: 60/Changeup: 50/Control: 55/Overall: 60

I was stunned when Jordan Balazovic was left off the MLB 60-man player pool. The most MLB-ready starter in the Twins system (except for Lewis Thorpe), Balazovic has an excellent three pitch mix and is a very safe bet to become a No. 2 starter with upside. He’ll be a Twins starter very soon.

No. 2: Alex Kirilloff, OF

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: 2

Age: 22

Hit: 65/Power: 60/Run: 50/Arm: 50/Field: 50/Overall: 60

Armed with a sweet swing and solid defensive tools, Alex Kirilloff has one of the best overall bats in the minor leagues. If Eddie Rosario didn’t exist, Kirilloff would be playing left field right now. Kirilloff showed he was ready to play after tearing up Spring Training, but look for him to prove it again as a member of the 60-man roster.

No. 1: Royce Lewis, SS

Expected 2020 Level: AA

Preseason Ranking: No. 1

Age: 21

Hit: 60/Power: 55/Run: 70/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 65

The top prospect in the Twins system since he was drafted first overall in 2017, confidence in Royce Lewis has never wavered through his up and down first three years in the pros. Expect Lewis to continue to learn as he always does and become an All-Star.